McRaven confirmed as new UT system chancellor

Aug. 21, 2014 - 07:40PM
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Naval Adm. William H. McRaven, an alumnus, does the Longhorns' Hook 'em Horns hand signal during his commencement keynote address in May at the University of Texas in Austin. (Marsha Miller/The Associated Press)

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Navy Adm. William McRaven is the next chancellor of the University of Texas System.

McRaven on Thursday made his first public appearance in Austin since the head of the U.S. Special Operations Command was first rumored as a candidate. He wore a suit — and not his Naval uniform — while briefly addressing regents after they confirmed his appointment.

McRaven starts in January. System officials say he will make $1.2 million a year — nearly a half-million dollars more than his predecessor.

The 58-year-old McRaven has been credited with spearheading the operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden in a raid on his compound in 2011.

McRaven replaces Francisco Cigarroa, who is stepping down after five years.